SCOTTISH football chiefs have been blasted by police unions and politicians after confirming the next Old Firm match will be played on Hogmanay.

New Year is already one of the busiest days of the year for Police Scotland

Critics rounded on the governing body for their "ridiculous" announcement that Rangers will play Celtic at Ibrox on New Year's Eve.

Although the world-famous encounter - notorious for flashpoints on and off the pitch - has been scheduled for December 31 since the beginning of the season, many presumed it would be moved amid safety fears.

However, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) today confirmed the match will go ahead as planned with a 12.15pm kick off.

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It comes just days after Celtic's 5-1 demolition of Rangers, which saw just one person arrested inside the stadium. However, the result was marred by controversy over banners and effigies displayed by Celtic fans and damage to the stadium's toilets by Rangers supporters.

There are so many reasons why this is a ridiculous decision

Calum Steele

And, with most of fans off work and preparing for drink-fuelled Hogmanay celebrations, it is feared the next match could descend into chaos.

New Year is already one of the busiest days of the year for Police Scotland and the force will now also have to bolster its manpower for the match.

Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank and file officers, hit out at the scheduling.

He said: "There are so many reasons why this is a ridiculous decision.

"People are already taking on more alcohol because of the festivities and there's a heavier demand on the police.

"It's also likely that people will not be facing work the next day or for the next couple of days.

"The ordinary Hogmanay events taking place across the country will already have police resources stretched.

"It's going to make for a very long and uncomfortable day for police officers."

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The announcement comes just days after Celtic's 5-1 demolition of Rangers

And Scottish Conservative sport spokesman Brian Whittle said: "Most people will find this surprising from a safety and sporting point of view.

"Everyone knows the challenges surrounding Old Firm matches, and lumping that in with the most drink-fuelled night of the year is baffling."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman refused to comment on the decision but said: "The football match will be policed appropriately."

However, force insiders have revealed that senior officers approved the move in the belief that fans will drink sensibly given the festivities later in the day.

A source said: "With many planning on seeing in the New Year with family and friends, most supporters will be under orders to head home after the match - rather than spend the day in the pub and be in bed by midnight."

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It is feared the Hogmanay match could descend into chaos

The Ladbrokes Premiership match - which will be shown live on Sky Sports - will be the clubs' last league match before the four-week winter break.

It is understood there were three options put to Police Scotland and Sky Sports - the evening of Friday, December 30, an early kick-off on Hogmanay, and Sunday, January 1. Later dates were unavailable due to the winter break.

With a Friday evening fixture quickly ruled out amid policing concerns and Sunday posing public transport problems, the Hogmanay fixture was requested by both organisations, who described the date as "manageable".